Page 24 of The Game She Hates

“As long as you don’t leave me this time, I won’t mind.” A grin forms on her perfect lips.

“I think that’s perfect. The whole church is filled with Glaciers fans. It might be a bit awkward at first, but they’ll warm up to you and treat you like one of their own after a while,” Robyn says with much enthusiasm.

“Well, I don’t know about the single ladies who’re ready to mingle, treating you normally, but I’m sure you’re used to girls flirting with you,” Pearl adds.

The way she says it, it’s almost like she’s daring me to back out. I’m definitely used to women flirting with me, but lately, I haven’t been responding to any of them. With my mind solely focused on Pearl, I doubt anyone will succeed in diverting my attention from her, especially now that I know Duke broke her heart. My reason for going is none other than to ensure he doesn’t have the opportunity to hurt her again.

18

Zane Ortiz

I haven’t been to many engagement parties, but none have ever taken place in a church. Duke and Kate’s celebration is in the church hall, which I gather is the same church Coach and Pearl attend. Thankfully, Coach isn’t here tonight; otherwise, he’d definitely wonder why I’m crashing this shindig.

The evening kicked off with a flurry of everyone inviting me to take selfies with them. It was amusing to see their surprised expressions when I arrived with Pearl and Robyn, which conveniently excused their tardiness. Kate even remarked that she understood why Pearl had initially declined the invitation, saying, “It’s not every day one gets to hang out with Zane Ortiz. Thanks for bringing him here.”

After a while, people resumed mingling with each other, and I was relieved to no longer be the center of everyone’s attention. However, a few persistent bridesmaids continue to cast curious glances my way. I’ve been strategically distancing myself from them all night.

I’m not exactly a party guy, but I do appreciate this ambiance—the soft music, the relaxed chatter that doesn’t drown out conversation like it does in bars. And I’m grateful for the absence of alcohol. Booze is a big no-go for me; it’s a trigger. A reminder of what it used to do to my dad and the pain I endured at his hands.

In a few weeks, April will be here, and the man will be released from prison.

I’ve been trying to push these thoughts aside ever since Aunt Melissa brought it up. Sometimes I pretend I’ve forgotten what he looks like, but it’s difficult when we share so many features. No one had to tell me; growing up, I could see how I was a version of him, and I hated it. But after breaking free from his influence, the only reminders of him are bullies and alcohol.

I’m standing with Duke and a few other guys he introduced me to, though their names have already slipped my mind. Meanwhile, Robyn and Pearl are catching up with their girlfriends and taking pictures near the photo booth.

From where I’m standing, I can discreetly keep my eyes on Pearl. I’m trying not to make it too obvious, but I’ve never encountered anyone quite like her. If kindness had a face, it would look like hers.

I’m still not sure why I have all these profound thoughts and feelings about her; she’s made it challenging for me to break through her walls. Nevertheless, I’m determined to keep trying when I get a chance this evening.

Duke notices me gazing in a particular direction and follows my line of sight. I can’t imagine he knows which woman has captured my attention, but his presence brings to mind the hurt I heard in Pearl’s voice when she mentioned him.

“So, how do you know Pearl and Robyn?” Duke asks casually.

“Just through Coach. I met Pearl first, and she introduced me to Robyn today,” I reply, choosing not to disclose that we actually met during therapy at her practice.

“Ah, that makes sense,” Duke says, his expression hinting at something more.

“What does?”

“Pearl hates hockey. So it makes sense you didn’t meet at a game,” Duke remarks, almost as if he finds it unfortunate.

I let out a snort. “It’s what makes her unique.” Everyone in this town only sees me as a pro athlete, but I appreciate how unimpressed Pearl is by that aspect of my life.

Duke then decides to offer me unsolicited advice about Pearl. “Just be careful. Take it from a guy she was into. She can be clingy, so approach your friendship with that in mind.”

His comment strikes a nerve, and I fully turn to face him, my jaw clenched and nostrils slightly flared in irritation. “Glad she finally realized you two weren’t a good fit,” I say firmly, making it clear that he can’t speak negatively about Pearl in my presence.

“Oh no,” Duke counters confidently, “she never had the guts to tell me how she felt. I had a feeling about it, and when Kate and I started talking, she avoided us entirely, which only confirmed my suspicion. She gave off the vibe of an insecure woman, not a go-getter. I would have faded into the background if I dated her. It just wasn’t attractive to me.”

I can’t believe Duke’s words. How could anyone see Pearl differently from how I see her? Frustration brews inside me, but I choose to remain silent. He doesn’t deserve my take on Sweet P.

I start walking away from him, heading toward the photo booth where Pearl is.

Pearl was.

Where is she? She can’t possibly be gone.

Not again.

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